MYTH:
Digging COAL from under-neath the ground  and applying it on your forehead will prevent COVID-19.
FACT:
Applying COAL that’s been dug out of the ground on your fore-head WILL NOT PROTECT you or anyone else from getting COVID-19.

MYTH:
Frequent and excessive consumption of alcohol can kill the virus and protect you from COVID-19.
FACT:
Drinking alcohol  does not protect you against COVID-19 and can be harmful for your health.

MYTH:
The quarantine process is not fair. Rich and influential people are allowed to get away with it.
FACT:
From 23rd March 2020, all Bhutanese returning from overseas are kept under mandatory quarantine irrespective of their socio-economic status.
EXCEPTION is only provided to individuals who are coming from overseas treatment or childbirth; however, they will have to remain under home quarantine.The quarantine period for both home and facility quarantine is 21 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I drink hand sanitizer?

A: WARNING
No, it is strictly for external use and not meant for consumption. Drinking hand sanitizers could have serious health implications!

Q: Can I visit the hospital for my regular check up? (example pregnancy, diabetes and hypertension follow up or appointments, etc)

A: There is no problem in visiting health facilities for your regular follow ups. The only advice is that you should maintain good hygiene at all times.

Q: Can I travel to other places within Bhutan?

A: There is no travel restriction for any Bhutanese to travel within the country, however, we request everyone to maintain good hygiene at all times.

Q: Do we have enough ventilators for #COVID19 positive patients?

A: Yes because only about 5% of positive patients would need ventilator support.

Q: Why has the Government extended the quarantine period from initial 14 to 21 days?

A: The Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering answers, It is the highest preventive measure.
Today, the government decided to extend the quarantine period from initial 14 to 21 days. The decision was arrived at purely to align with the COVID-19 response modes we are adopting by the day.

The country is embracing highest preventive approach and as our surveillance picks up more cases from the quarantine facilities, this is one of the ways to minimise possibilities of missing out.

Although incubation period for COVID-19 ranges from 2-14 days, the average being around five days, there are reports of a few “outliers” around the world and this strategy is to pick such cases.

Having said that, we understand it must have come as a dampening news for most of you in the quarantine facilities, who eagerly waited to meet your family and loved ones upon your return to the country.

I write this note to more than 3,400 of you who are in the quarantine facilities in different districts. While I am in touch with some of you on the phone, I hope this post reaches everyone, along with the deep affection and feelings of gratitude I have for you.

Given the life we are used to, it is not easy to be confined in a room for even a day, let alone for three weeks. But this has become the necessity of the hour.

Please know your staying in that room is a great service to the nation, especially around this time when we are all working to prevent the virus from coming into the country. As grateful as we are to all the health officials and others in the frontline, the sacrifices you are making are no less.

Since we initiated the mandatory quarantine, stories that are coming out of the rooms are inspiring, displaying bravery and solidarity only expected of a Bhutanese. You have been feeding exciting updates on social media and I believe one person going live has drawn significant followers. Please keep up the spirit.

But it is not the same for everyone and should you need to consult, please call one of the counsellors we have identified. The numbers are listed below.

These are challenging times and it is not just us but the entire world that is living through this unprecedented journey. But for Bhutan, we have our biggest assurance and comfort in His Majesty The King who is selflessly looking after the people.

So when you walk out of that room at the end of 21 days, hold your head high for you have done your part in serving your King and the country. For now, along with the people of Bhutan, I will pray for your good health.

Q: What is Physical Distancing?

A: Physical Distancing refers to the act of keeping at least 1 metre or 3 feet distance between people, in order to reduce the risk of infection.

Physical Distancing is an effective way to help slow down or stop the spread of an infectious disease. The earlier the physical distancing measures are implemented, the more effective it becomes.

Q: Is COVID-19 airborne?

A: The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These droplets may not remain in the air for long time.

To protect yourself, keep at least 1 meter distance from others and disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently. Regularly clean your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

Q: For Bhutanese residing outside, whom should we contact?

A: The best point of contact for Bhutanese residing outside would be the nearest Bhutanese Embassy for all travel advisories.In Australia we do not have a Bhutanese Embassy, whom should we contact? NEED TO GET ANSWER FOR OTHERS AS WELL

Q: What documents do individuals who are screened or quarantined have to produce?

A: The system for COVID-19 patients in Bhutan requires the patients to be registered with Identity Card (Citizenship Identity Card), Special Resident Permit, Passport, Work Pass, Driving License.

Q: How do folks without these ID’s access these services?

A: Brings anything that portrays your identity

Q: What is the helpline for senior citizen on COVID-19 related matters?

A: Toll free number 6060 is exclusively dedicated to Senior Citizens ( 60 years and above)